Appeal of Nazism Flashcards
Who was in charge of propaganda for the Nazis?
Dr Joseph Goebbels
Nazi Ideology Origination
- First put forward in the 25 point programme in 1920 (Hitler didn’t agree with many of its points)
- Hitler wrote Mein Kampf in prison that included his ideas and aims
7 Nazi Ideologies
- Power of the will
- Struggle and Power
- A racial community (Volksgemeinschaft)
- National Socialism
- Fuhrerprinzip
- Agressive nationalism
- Anti-Semitism
The power of the will
Presented the Nazi movement and Hitler as powerful, disciplined, unified and strong
Would appeal to patriots
Struggle and War
Struggle, violence and war were at the heart of Nazi thinking. War would reconstruct Germany and military values were glorified
Appealed to WW1 soldiers and patriots
Racial Community
- Volksgemienschaft a key principle
- Only aryans could be citizens of the state
- They would demonstrate ‘German values’ and create a ‘new man’ and ‘woman’ in a social and cultural revolution
- Aimed for racial purity
- Appealed to patriots and those who were struggling and just blamed non-germans for their problems
National Socialism
- Nationalist Socialist German Workers Party to gain working class support
- Econimically radical and anti-capitalist points outlined in 25PP
- Yet Hitler never committed to these as he modified them based on his audience
- Meant they appealed tp the working class and wealthy businesses
Fuhrerprinzip
- Principle of leadership
- Hitler set out to destroy democracy as he viewed it as weak
- Aimed for a one-party-state led by a dictator
- Appealed to patriots who missed Germanys authoritarian and undemocratic government as well as a strong leader
Aggressive Nationalism and Hitlers 3 aims
- Reverse the humiliation of the TOV
- Establish a ‘Greater German Reich’ in which Germans would live within the boarders of state (Lebensraum)
- Secure Germany its Autarky (self-sustainable)
- To expand German territory through war was a later aim
- Appealed to patriots
Anti-Semitism
Appeal of Nazism
- Hitler saw Jews as responsible for all Germany’s ills due to being greedy and cunning
- Held responsible for war defeat and growth of Communism
- Used as overall scapegoat
Importance of Hitler to Nazi Success
His charisma, unparalleled oratorical skills meant he was capable of playing on peoples emotions and could tailor his speeches to his audiences leading to mass apeal
Role of anit-Semitism in electoral success
Small minority had anti-semitism as a main motive as many voted due to economic issues
What was Goebbels’ title?
Minister of Propaganda
What is the difference between censorship and propaganda?
Censorship is the suppression of news the Nazi regime does not like.
Propaganda is the active promotion of the Nazi regime.
How were newspapers censored?
- Non-Nazi newspapers were shut down
- Editors were told what they could print
What was the official German newspaper?
Volkischer Beobachter
Where did the Nazis hold their annual rally?
Nuremberg (in southern Germany)
Why were Nuremberg rallies effective propaganda?
They showed how strong, organised and disciplined the Nazi regime was AND gave people a sense of belonging
How were radios used to spread propaganda?
- All radios were placed under Nazi control
- Cheap, mass-produced radios were places in cafes and factories around Germany
Why did the radios placed around Germany have a short range?
So they could not pick up foreign stations (like the BBC World Service)
How big were cinema audiences in 1933?
Over 250 million
How were books censored?
No books could be published without Goebbels’ permission
What did Goebbels organise in 1933 (to do with books)?
A book burning
What kind of books were burned at the book burning?
Books by Jewish or Communist authors, or books that contained ideas unacceptable to the Nazi regime (e.g. All Quiet on the Western Front)
How were artists censored?
Only Nazi-approved artists could show their work (normally depicting the Aryan ideal)
How did the Nazis use the cinema for propaganda purposes?
All films had to carry a pro-Nazi message
What were all films accompanied by?
A 45 minute newsreel glorifying Hitler and Nazi achievements
Why did some Germans arrive late to the cinema?
To avoid having to sit through the pro-Nazi newsreel
What type of music was banned?
Jazz music
Why was jazz banned?
It was considered as ‘black music’ and therefore inferior
How were posters utilised?
Had simple clear messages
‘Work and bread’, promised jobs and the destruction of the TOV
What did Hitler promise the elites?
Protection from communists and to rid Germany of them
